Supreme Court Decision “Jeopardizes the Health of Women”

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Hobby Lobby on Monday. This ruling allows private businesses like Hobby Lobby to be exempt from providing contraception to their employees if it contradicts their owner’s religious beliefs. This decision “carves out of a piece of the president’s healthcare law,” specifically the HHS mandate. (For more information on the HHS mandate, read my previous article HERE)

The White House believes that this will jeopardize the health of women and that it is an infringement of the religious freedom of the female employees. “President Obama believes that women should make personal health care decisions for themselves, rather than their bosses deciding for them.” The Obama administration is currently calculating how many women will be affected by this ruling and how they can support those who are being denied contraception coverage.

On the other hand, Josh Earnest, the White House’s Press Secretary believes that this is both a loss of religious freedom and freedom for women.

Watch Josh Earnest White House’s Press Secretary here:

Watch John Oliver on this topic here:

Think About:
1. What is religious freedom? What role does it play in healthcare?
2. Does this ruling promote or infringe upon religious freedom?
3. What role does gender play in this decision?
4. What are the possible health outcomes?